I got my first speeding ticket for doing a review while driving an Audi. It was an Audi A6 3.0, and I was 'speed-trapped' along one of the most infamous stretch of roads in Singapore. Still, hands up for making that innocent mistake though.
With that incident still fresh in my mind, I approached the RS3 Sportback with trepidation and some nervousness. After all, if I could get busted for driving an innocent looking A6, then what more the aggressive-looking, fire-spewing RS3?
Designed as a farewell gift to the current generation A3 hatchback, the RS3 Sportback is Audi's first ever foray into the hot hatchback game, and it wades into the arena packing quite a punch, with its 2.5-litre turbocharged five-pot plucked from the TT RS. But is sheer power alone enough for the RS3 to muscle to the top of the hot hatchback pile?
Exterior
In black, the RS3 Sportback cuts a menacing pose, with its flared wheel arches, imposing-looking anthracite cross-mesh grille, aggressive front bumper with huge vents on both sides, and twin chrome exhaust pipes jutting out from the rear diffuser. Discreet side skirts, chrome wing mirrors and an inconspicuous rear spoiler complete the look.
With that incident still fresh in my mind, I approached the RS3 Sportback with trepidation and some nervousness. After all, if I could get busted for driving an innocent looking A6, then what more the aggressive-looking, fire-spewing RS3?
Designed as a farewell gift to the current generation A3 hatchback, the RS3 Sportback is Audi's first ever foray into the hot hatchback game, and it wades into the arena packing quite a punch, with its 2.5-litre turbocharged five-pot plucked from the TT RS. But is sheer power alone enough for the RS3 to muscle to the top of the hot hatchback pile?
Exterior
In black, the RS3 Sportback cuts a menacing pose, with its flared wheel arches, imposing-looking anthracite cross-mesh grille, aggressive front bumper with huge vents on both sides, and twin chrome exhaust pipes jutting out from the rear diffuser. Discreet side skirts, chrome wing mirrors and an inconspicuous rear spoiler complete the look.
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Some may lament that that the RS3's modifications aren't distinctive enough to set it apart from the rest of the A3 range. But, considering that, it also gives the RS3 a bit of a silent killer image. You could sneak up on unsuspecting Evos and Rexes and blow them away, before they could realise that you're more than just an ordinary Audi.
It all boils down to personal tastes really. Some prefer outright aggression, while others prefer subtlety. If you lean towards the latter, then the RS3 Sportback's looks is right up your alley.
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Interior
Step inside the RS3, and you'll be greeted by a fairly normal A3 dashboard. The only visual clues that mark this car out as a performance hatch is the flat-bottomed steering wheel, complete with RS3 badging on the bottom spoke, the racy-looking instrument dials, and the nifty RS gear knob. There are also chrome bits here and there, but that's about it.
The cabin does feel a bit basic and spartan when compared to newer Audis, and the digital readouts from the instrument dials are of the old-block digital style, which only serves to further emphasise the A3's age. But for a performance car, it has pretty much all you need and nothing more. Besides, there is much to be said for simplicity, when everything falls intuitively into hand.
Step inside the RS3, and you'll be greeted by a fairly normal A3 dashboard. The only visual clues that mark this car out as a performance hatch is the flat-bottomed steering wheel, complete with RS3 badging on the bottom spoke, the racy-looking instrument dials, and the nifty RS gear knob. There are also chrome bits here and there, but that's about it.
The cabin does feel a bit basic and spartan when compared to newer Audis, and the digital readouts from the instrument dials are of the old-block digital style, which only serves to further emphasise the A3's age. But for a performance car, it has pretty much all you need and nothing more. Besides, there is much to be said for simplicity, when everything falls intuitively into hand.
As a five-door hatchback, the RS3 Sportback is naturally practical and spacious. The cabin seats four easily, and five at a pinch, while the boot is generous enough by hatchback standards. The usual Audi solidity is present too, and you get the sense that, while uninspiring, the interior quality is built to last for years.
One feature that stood out though was the highly-impressive Bose sound system, with 10 speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin. It provides for a delightful aural environment, if you're not already being serenaded by the lovely engine note that is.
One feature that stood out though was the highly-impressive Bose sound system, with 10 speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin. It provides for a delightful aural environment, if you're not already being serenaded by the lovely engine note that is.
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The Drive
And what an engine note. Fire up the RS3, and there is a silent murmur at the start. But don't let that deceive you. The real magic comes once your right foot goes down onto the accelerator.
The moment you hit that gas pedal, and get past the slight lag from the turbo, the RS3 unleashes a boomy wave of sound that is reminiscent of a race car. Punch the unassuming S (for Sport) button, located on the dashboard, and a flap in the exhaust opens, bypassing the silencer and letting everyone else know the fun you're having as well.
It's not all noise and no action however. The RS3 rockets from 0-100km/h in a mere 4.6 seconds, ensuring rapid progress all the way to its electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h.
It is scary how the car can reach highly illegal speeds so effortlessly, and even when you're just motoring along, the RS3 shows no signs of slacking. It can be a smooth cruiser if need be, but it constantly reminds you of the firepower it possesses in reserve.
And it performs similarly well in the corners. The RS3's Quattro all-wheel-drive system ensures superb road holding, and instils much confidence in the driver as he tackles the twisties. Steering is precise and accurate, and there is almost no chance of the car losing control or grip, unless you try really, really hard.
And what an engine note. Fire up the RS3, and there is a silent murmur at the start. But don't let that deceive you. The real magic comes once your right foot goes down onto the accelerator.
The moment you hit that gas pedal, and get past the slight lag from the turbo, the RS3 unleashes a boomy wave of sound that is reminiscent of a race car. Punch the unassuming S (for Sport) button, located on the dashboard, and a flap in the exhaust opens, bypassing the silencer and letting everyone else know the fun you're having as well.
It's not all noise and no action however. The RS3 rockets from 0-100km/h in a mere 4.6 seconds, ensuring rapid progress all the way to its electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h.
It is scary how the car can reach highly illegal speeds so effortlessly, and even when you're just motoring along, the RS3 shows no signs of slacking. It can be a smooth cruiser if need be, but it constantly reminds you of the firepower it possesses in reserve.
And it performs similarly well in the corners. The RS3's Quattro all-wheel-drive system ensures superb road holding, and instils much confidence in the driver as he tackles the twisties. Steering is precise and accurate, and there is almost no chance of the car losing control or grip, unless you try really, really hard.
The trade-off, however, is the rather firm ride. On typically smooth expressway roads it still comes across as acceptable. However, hit a bump or two, and you start to feel the effects of those low-profile tyres and hardened sports suspension. But that is not enough to detract from what is frankly a scintillating little car.
Conclusion
As a hot hatchback, the RS3 Sportback certainly fulfils the criteria, and then surpasses them by some distance. That ridiculous performance, coupled with that intoxicating engine note, is enough to send enthusiasts into a tizzy.
But what makes it stand out is the usual Audi qualities of safe and secure handling, thanks to Quattro, as well as its all-round solidity. It's a car that allows the driver to have loads of fun, but will not chew his head off when pushed to the limit. And at the end of the day, it settles into a comfortable little family runabout, something not many performance cars can boast about.
For a farewell gift, the RS3 provides quite a send-off indeed.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
As a hot hatchback, the RS3 Sportback certainly fulfils the criteria, and then surpasses them by some distance. That ridiculous performance, coupled with that intoxicating engine note, is enough to send enthusiasts into a tizzy.
But what makes it stand out is the usual Audi qualities of safe and secure handling, thanks to Quattro, as well as its all-round solidity. It's a car that allows the driver to have loads of fun, but will not chew his head off when pushed to the limit. And at the end of the day, it settles into a comfortable little family runabout, something not many performance cars can boast about.
For a farewell gift, the RS3 provides quite a send-off indeed.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
